The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. Is there no cause why men of great gifts should glory in their gifts?

Theol. No surely none at all. For the Apostle saith,¹ Who separateth thee? And, what hast thou that thou hast not received? If thou hast received it, why boastest thou, as though thou haddest not received it? Where the Apostle plainly showeth, that no man is to be proud of his gifts; because they are none of his own: he hath but received them to use. We count him worthy to be laughed at as a fool, who having borrowed brave apparel of others (as a silk gown, a satin doublet, a chain of gold, velvet breaches, &c.) should proudly jet it in the streets in them, as if they were his own: even so are they worthy to be chronicled for fools, which are proud of good gifts, which are none of their own. Therefore the Prophet Jeremiah saith,² Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, not the strong man in his strength, neither the rich man in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me. To this point also well saith the heathen Poet:³ No man can escape the punishment of pride; therefore in greatest prosperity be not puffed up.

Theol. No surely none at all. For the Apostle saith,¹ Who separateth thee? And, what hast thou that thou hast not received? If thou hast received it, why boastest thou, as though thou haddest not received it? Where the Apostle plainly sheweth, that no man is to be proud of his gifts; because they are none of his own: he hath but received them to use. We count him worthy to be laughed at as a fool, who having borrowed brave apparell of others (as a silk gown, a s•tten doublet, a chain of gold, velvet breaches, &c.) should proudly jet it in the streets in them, as if they were his own: even so are they worthy to be chronicled for fools, which are proud of good gifts, which are none of their own. Therefore the Prophet Jeremy saith,